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Senior Manager, Scientific Project Management (PM)

Boston, MA

About us:

Ascidian is redefining the treatment of disease by rewriting RNA.

Ascidian Therapeutics was founded to rewrite RNA by editing and replacing human exons. We were inspired by ocean creatures, called Ascidians, who are primordial ancestors of vertebrates. To grow from larvae to adults, ascidians re-engineer their transcriptome through RNA editing via trans-splicing and alternative splicing.

In our Brighton/Boston labs, RNA biology meets today’s cutting-edge genomics, computational biology, and deep-sequencing technologies to create a new class of medicines that address the underlying causes of disease. We welcome you to come join our vibrant team and help us lead the way into a new gene therapy era.

Summary:

As we expand our innovative pipeline, we're looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Manager, Scientific Project Management (PM) to join our dynamic team.

About the Role

As a Project Manager at Ascidian Therapeutics, you will be instrumental in driving the successful execution of our critical research pipeline programs and early-stage drug development efforts. You will plan, organize, and oversee projects from initiation through completion, ensuring innovative medicines are developed on time, within scope, and on budget. You have a deep background in biological sciences and project management fundamentals, with a passion for bringing therapeutics from the lab to the clinic. This role requires strong communication skills, a meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex scientific and operational challenges within a fast-paced, early-stage biotech environment. You will work closely with cross-functional scientific and operational teams across both internal functions and external partners, helping to translate strategic goals into actionable plans and track progress towards key milestones.

Key Responsibilities

  • Project Planning & Management:
    • Develop detailed project plans, including scope, objectives, timelines, resource requirements, and deliverables for projects across the research pipeline, preclinical development.
    • Establish and maintain project timelines, tracking progress against milestones and critical path activities.
    • Implement effective project management tools and methodologies to ensure efficient execution.
  • Cross-Functional & Partnership Coordination:
    • Serve as a primary liaison with scientific program leads, ensuring alignment between project execution and strategic company goals.
    • Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among internal cross-functional teams (e.g., Research, Preclinical, CMC, Regulatory, Quality, Finance, Alliance Management).
    • Drive external activities with partners and vendors including, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs), ensuring seamless integration of external workstreams into overall project plans, and holding partners accountable for high quality deliverables.
    • Partner closely with Alliance Management to ensure the successful execution of external scientific and development partnerships, reaching milestones critical to the programs and to Ascidian.
    • Organize and lead project team meetings, documenting discussions, decisions, and action items, and using the team’s time to the fullest.
  • Risk Management & Problem Solving:
    • Proactively identify potential project risks (scientific, operational, and partnership-related), develop mitigation strategies, and facilitate their resolution with the team and partners.
    • Identify and help resolve project roadblocks, ensuring projects stay on track.
  • Budget & Resource Management:
    • Develop, oversee, and actively manage project budgets, tracking expenditures against forecasts, identifying potential variances, problem solving with the finance team
    • Assist in monitoring resource allocation, flagging potential overruns or re-prioritization needs for both internal activities and external vendor spend.
    • Track resource utilization and forecast future needs.
  • Communication & Reporting:
    • Prepare and present clear, concise project updates, progress reports, and presentations to project teams, stakeholders, and leadership.
    • Ensure effective information flow and transparency across all project stakeholders, including external collaborators.
  • Documentation & Best Practices:
    • Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including charters, meeting minutes, decision logs, and action item lists.
    • Contribute to the continuous improvement of project management processes and tools within the organization.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences) or related field.
  • Minimum of 3+ years of project management experience within the biopharmaceutical or life sciences industry.
  • A minimum of 5 years of hands-on research ("bench") experience in a laboratory setting (academic or industry), demonstrating a strong foundation in experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
  • Proven experience managing projects across the research pipeline (e.g., target validation, lead optimization, and IND-enabling studies)
  • Demonstrated experience in coordinating and managing projects involving external vendors, CROs, or CDMOs is highly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of the drug discovery and development lifecycle.
  • Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, SmartSheet, Jira, Asana, etc.).
  • Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse scientific and operational teams, both internal and external.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive, results-oriented mindset.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving early-stage environment.
  • PMP or other project management certification is a plus.

Why Join Ascidian?

At Ascidian Therapeutics, you’ll be part of a team that is redefining the future of medicine. We offer:

  • A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions make a real impact.
  • The opportunity to work on cutting-edge RNA editing technology with the potential to transform patient lives.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage, generous paid time off, and stock options.
  • Professional development opportunities to support your growth and career advancement.

If you are a driven and passionate Project Management professional looking to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving field, we encourage you to apply!

Ascidian Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Benefits:

We provide a vibrant startup environment where every employee contributes to our culture and science. We offer a generous total rewards plan that includes competitive compensation, stock options, and benefits. Our benefits include a top-tier health and wellness plan, commuter reimbursement or paid monthly parking, tuition or loan reimbursement, career development opportunities and so much more.

A final note - we highly encourage you to apply for our position, even if you are not sure you meet all the requirements. Everyone has unique talents, and at Ascidian, we look not only at your experience but your potential. We know that the best teams consist of diverse backgrounds, so please apply!

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